Anyone that goes through addiction and getting sober knows how hard it is to adjust to life without drugs or alcohol.
When you’ve spent so long abusing substances, you’re used to devoting your time to finding and using them. It can be a strange and confusing feeling to have to fill that void, both literally and figuratively. Once you do, however, you can start to feel invigorated by life again.
In this post, we’re going to talk about five sober activities that can help take your mind off of your old lifestyle.
It can be difficult to come up with ideas on your own, but that’s why we’re here. Let’s get started.
5 Sober Activities to Keep Your Mind Off of Your Addiction
If you’re going to be able to keep your mind off of your old life, then you need to make drastic changes. Addiction has a tendency to envelop everything in someone’s existence, so these new sober activities have to be fun but also become part of your lifestyle.
1. Start Working Out
A common activity that former addicts pick up is hitting the gym and getting fit.
For someone who abused substances for a long time, it’s not a bad idea to start treating your body like the temple that it is. It’s also something that you can do whenever you’re feeling a bit off.
You could even start with jogging a few times a week. Going on lengthy runs is a great activity for taking your mind off of everyday life. Put headphones in with some music or download some podcasts to give you a boost.
You’ll feel way better about yourself, all the while getting much-needed cardio.
Getting a gym membership is a good way to stay invested in your recovery.
If you’ve never worked out before, you can get a few personal trainer sessions. They can help you craft a workout that suits what you want to do with your body.
Not everyone is cut out for gym life.
While it’s important to get outside for runs and to the gym for some other workouts, the gym can be an intimidating place and some feel that running is boring. Playing sports can solve this problem.
Get a few friends together and hit a park for some football or basketball.
If you’ve met some other former addicts in a recovery program, playing recreational sports can be a great group activity to help each other achieve a common goal. There are also loads of pay-to-play leagues in most cities if you want it to be more organized.
2. Volunteer
Volunteering your time to those less fortunate is a great way to give back to the community, but also to give your own life more purpose. There are loads of charities and causes that need more attention, so brainstorm ideas and start contacting people to see how you can help.
As a former addict, you might share a special connection with those that struggle with abuse.
It’s not uncommon for newly sober people to volunteer at the establishment that helped them get sober. It’s a great feeling to be able to show people first hand that they can get through addiction.
3. See the World
It’s easier said than done, but traveling is another great pastime for those looking for a new purpose in life. Of course, you have to have the means to get around, but flying and accommodations can be quite affordable if you do some research beforehand.
There are a million benefits to getting yourself out there and seeing the world.
One of the most obvious is, well, that you get to see the world. Beyond that, it can provide you with the fresh start that you need, give you the inspiration to stay on the right track, and expose you to lots of different kinds of people.
Many people that go on backpacking trips abroad never end up coming back.
If you’re used to the same environment, especially if it’s one that promotes addictive behavior, then this can be really beneficial. You don’t have to stay forever, but sometimes extended time away from your old life can help you see the light.
All you have to start with is a quick Google search of some place that you’ve always wanted to go.
From there you can go down a rabbit hole of potential adventures. Don’t let the cost scare you, you can always figure out money. Prioritize the enjoyment of your life and getting healthy over financial burden.
4. Pick Up a New Hobby
Many addicts are urged to pick up new hobbies when they get sober.
A hobby can be pretty much anything you can think of, whether it’s something that you used to love doing as a child or something that you’ve always wanted to do. It should be compelling and allow you to take your mind in new directions.
We’ve already talked about getting active and traveling, which are technically hobbies, but you can go small here too. Even just reading more or going to see live music are great distractions from cravings and urges.
You never know, you might fall in love with something.
Never be afraid to try new activities and always seek out new adventures. Maybe you’re really good at skateboarding or knitting, or maybe you have an undiscovered appreciation for art and culture. You won’t know unless you try things out!
5. Reconnect With Old Friends
Addiction can be extremely damaging to your relationships with your friends and family.
Often, amends will have to be made during the recovery process, but after that, you can reconnect and build your past relationships back up.
You’ll have to separate yourself from the enablers from your addict life. They’ll need to go on their own journey to find sobriety. Instead, focus on the relationships that you’ve neglected over the years and show them that there’s a new you.
This is a great way to get out of the house and take your mind off of your addiction. Make dinner plans, go see movies, and go for coffee. It’ll feel great to reconnect and it’ll make you feel alive to be out amongst people.
Have Fun and Appreciate Your Second Chance
Don’t limit the number of sober activities that you participate in.
This second chance that you’ve been given is for you to thrive in life and enjoy the company of friends and family. It’s important to try new things. You won’t know if you love or hate something until you’ve tried it, so get out there and enjoy your sober life.
For information on getting sober and finding treatment, visit The Discovery House Programs available.
While you’re there, check out our blog to read more posts about living a sober life and staying the course.